Cubs officially sign Cuban outfielder Soler for nine years

By By Dave van DyckTribune reporter

Jun 30, 2012 | 11:26 AM

The Cubs announced the official signing of outfielder Jorge Soler on Saturday afternoon. The Cuban will receive $30 million over nine years and will report early next week to the club's facility in Mesa, Ariz.

“He provides a ton of power potential for us,” general manager Jed Hoyer said. “We scouted him heavily and it obviously is a significant commitment for us.

“He fits very well into what we’re trying to do. He’s the right age, the right talent and we’re excited to get him started.”

Soler, just 20 years old, is listed at 6-3 and 205 pounds. Cubs manager Dale Sveum has seen video.

“You could probably go on and on about the body-type,” he said. “(Like ex-Brewer) Glenn Braggs, the body and size and that kind of strength at that young age. Pretty impressive.

“I hope it all translates into a huge production player at this level. “